UN WELCOMES SUDANESE ORDER TO LIFT CENSORSHIP ON NEWSPAPERS

UN WELCOMES SUDANESE ORDER TO LIFT CENSORSHIP ON NEWSPAPERS
New York, Sep 29 2009 4:10PM
The United Nations today welcomed the reported decision by President Omar Al-Bashir to immediately lift censorship on Sudanese newspapers.

"This decision will advance the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and is an important step towards creating an appropriate environment for the multi-party elections scheduled for April 2010," the UN Mission in Sudan (<"http://unmis.unmissions.org/">UNMIS) said in a statement.

UNMIS voiced hope that the implementation of the decision announced by Mr. Al-Bashir on Sunday, along with other measures under consideration, "will enable all Sudanese to freely exercise their rights of franchise and expression."

It also reiterated its commitment to stand by and support the efforts of the parties to implement the 2005 CPA, which ended Sudan's north-south civil war.

The pact requires a comprehensive review of national laws to bring them into line with the Interim Constitution and the country's international human rights obligations.

It also includes a provision for a referendum on independence for the south slated for 2011, following national elections next year.

In a recent report on progress towards the elections, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that Sudan's institutions have yet to take a number of basic steps to prepare for the long-awaited polls.

The Government of National Unity, the National Assembly and the Government of Southern Sudan must "guarantee basic political freedoms, including the freedom of assembly, speech and the press," he wrote.
Sep 29 2009 4:10PM
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G20 MUST BE WIDENED TO INCLUDE VIEWS OF MORE NATIONS, SINGAPORE SAYS AT ASSEMBLY

G20 MUST BE WIDENED TO INCLUDE VIEWS OF MORE NATIONS, SINGAPORE SAYS AT ASSEMBLY
New York, Sep 28 2009 5:10PM
The so-called Group of 20 (G20) industrialized nations must be reformed to strike the perfect balance between effectiveness and inclusiveness, a senior official from Singapore told the General Assembly today.

The G20 played a crucial role in helping to ameliorate the impact of the financial crisis, Foreign Minister George Yeo told the Assembly's annual high-level debate.

"Though not ideal, it is the most important driver of change we have right now," he <"http://www.un.org/ga/64/generaldebate/pdf/SG_en.pdf">said, adding that the United Nations is "too intricate" to deal with such problems.

But for the G20 to be effective and legitimate, "it is not enough for leaders to confer and make general exhortations," Mr. Yeo stated.

These gatherings should not be confined to the same nations every time, he said, calling for "variable geometry in membership."

The official proposed different participants for different subjects, stressing that "the views of small States, which comprise the majority of UN members, must not be ignored."

He emphasized that "a balance has to be struck between effectiveness and inclusiveness," since a gathering that is too big would be too unwieldy, while a meeting that is too small would lack "representation and legitimacy."

Recognizing that power shifts never occur smoothly, Mr. Yeo called for a collective effort in putting a new global system into place.

"We should not be lulled by the temporary easing of the global economy into thinking that the worst is behind us and that we can return to our old ways again."

Sep 28 2009 5:10PM
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Iran successfully tests multiple missile launch system

Iran successfully tests multiple missile launch system

The Islamic republic of Iran has successfully tested a multi-missile launching system in a military drill dubbed The Great Prophet IV in a bid to bolster its defense capabilities, Press TV has learned.

The system which is capable of launching several home made Zelzal rockets simultaneously has successfully been tested for the first time, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hossein Salami told Press TV on Sunday.

A number of missiles including home-made Fateh-110, a short-range ground-to-ground missile and Tondar-69, a short-range naval missile, were also launched consecutively at mock targets across the country.

The Great Prophet IV maneuver, which is a sequel to The Great Prophet III carried out last year by the IRGC naval and ground forces in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz region, started on Sunday and is expected to continue for several days in two phases.

The IRGC commander said the main objective of today's demonstration is to "evaluate the technical developments that Iran has achieved just recently in its surface-to-surface missiles," noting that long-range Shahab missile will be fired tomorrow.

He also added that medium range Shahab-2 missiles will be tested tonight.

RZS/SC/DT

Pakistan's Sharif blamed over Bin Laden links

Pakistan's Sharif blamed over Bin Laden links

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif leads the second-largest political party in the nuclear-armed country.

A former Pakistani intelligence officer alleges that PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif had held a series of meetings with Bin Laden to conspire against the former government of Benazir Bhutto.

Brigadier Mumtaz Ahmad, an ex-director of Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) claimed that Sharif had sought Osama Bin Laden help for toppling Bhutto government in 1990s.

"Former Premier Nawaz Sharif had met al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden…all funds to topple the government of Benazir Bhutto in late 90's were provided by al-Qaeda," he said in an interview with a local TV channel.

The revelation comes days after Khalid Khwaja, a former official from Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) claimed that he himself had arranged five meetings between Bin Laden and Sharif.

While reacting to the statement, the PML-N spokesman Ehsan Iqbal described the remarks as baseless and said that no such meetings had ever taken place, according to a Press TV correspondent.

Bhutto, 54, who was assassinated in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi in late 2007, spent three decades of her life navigating the turbulent and often violent world of Pakistani politics.

Bhutto was first elected prime minister after years of military rule in 1988. Sharif was elected premier after the dismissal of Bhutto's government in 1990.

US officials believe that Bin Laden, the alleged mastermind of the September 11 attacks, is hiding somewhere in Pakistan's volatile tribal belt bordering Afghanistan.

JR/MMA

SOMALIA: Minister rejects Al-Shabab's education warning

SOMALIA: Minister rejects Al-Shabab's education warning

NAIROBI, 22 September 2009 (IRIN) - The government and education officials in Somalia have condemned and dismissed a statement by the Islamist group Al-Shabab warning schools against using "un-Islamic" text books provided by the UN and aid agencies.

"The government and the education fraternity make sure that any books that are being used in our schools do not violate our religion and culture, so their statement does not concern us," Education Minister Ahmed Abdullahi said on 22 September.

He said Somalia needed all the help it could get in the education sector, as in all other sectors, and "we will welcome any help that meets our needs".

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was singled out by Al-Shabab's spokesman on 20 September.

However, UNESCO Somalia told IRIN by email: "The four pillars of UNESCO's mandate cover education, science, culture and communication, and under culture falls religion. It is therefore surprising to read that our organization could be promoting the use of 'un-Islamic subjects' in textbooks."

Furthermore, "the very limited available textbooks are not UN textbooks but textbooks produced by Somali Education Authorities with the assistance of its national and international partners in order to provide the country with the materials necessary to maintain a minimum of basic education services, at least," it said.

Blocking children's progress

Abdullahi accused Al-Shabab of being against the interests of the Somali people, particularly children.

"The one thing Somali children need more than anything else is peace and they [Al-Shabab] are the ones engaged in violence that affects our children," he said.

The minister called on Al-Shabab to engage in peaceful dialogue and stop the violence.

A civil society source, who requested anonymity, told IRIN Al-Shabab was trying to muscle in on the education sector. "They don't have much involvement with education and I think this is their way of saying, 'we are players now'."

He said Somali schools were struggling to provide a modicum of education and "if they [Al-Shabab] were to succeed then it will kill what little education our children are getting".

After the collapse of Somalia's central government in 1991, schools and universities were destroyed as the city was torn apart by militia. But private schools have been gradually re-established over the past few years.

Rare peace

Meanwhile, the Somali capital Mogadishu enjoyed a rare day of quiet with no violence on 22 September - a day after the end of Ramadan.

"For the first time in a long while we enjoyed a very quiet day with no sound of guns," said Hassan Mahamud, a local journalist.

There is, however, a palpable fear among the population that the violence will resume "with a much greater frequency", he said.

Early Deyr rains have arrived in the city. "The rains have been welcomed but there is also fear of the effects they will have on those who live in the open," he added.

ah/mw[END]

Mrs Hureh’s pregnancy was deemed “high risk” because she had given birth nine times previously.

Dad's grief over mum's hospital death

Sep 18 2009 by Ben Glaze, South Wales Echo

A COMMUNITY has rallied round to help a grieving dad raise his 11 children after his wife died giving birth to twins.

Ifrah Hureh died just four hours after giving birth to her son and daughter after being given a drug she should not have received.

Cardiff coroner Mary Hassell yesterday ruled that neglect at the city's University Hospital of Wales contributed to 38-year-old Mrs Hureh's death from natural causes after an expert said giving her the drug Syntometrine was a "critical and unforgivable error".

Since her death in March last year while giving birth to twins Ali-Ibrahim and then Fatima, the capital's Somali community has come together to help Mrs Hureh's husband Ibrahim Yassin bring up his six daughters and five sons aged from 18 months to 17.

The family moved to the city just over two years ago, the first nine children all being born in Somalia.

Ibrahim Harbi, from Cardiff's Somali Integration Centre, said last night: "It's a very well-known story within the community.

"He has 11 young children and we had to offer support, not just with things like translation and solicitors, but practical help too.

"Relatives help look after the twins and everyone is doing as much as they can.

"The family has a lost a really lovely woman."

But Mr Harbi, who hoped lessons would be learnt from the tragedy thus preventing similar deaths, said while friends and relatives could step in when needed, nothing could replace the children's mum.

He added: "They've lost their mother and it's really difficult to compensate. Whatever we do is very limited by comparison.

"We can never replace her. We can offer support – and, of course, that'll help – but how are they going to be looked after in the long term?

"How will they cope without their mother?"

The two-day inquest was told "gross failures" in basic checks contributed to Mrs Hureh's death.

Mrs Hureh's pregnancy was deemed "high risk" because she had given birth nine times previously.

Staff failed to spot her worryingly high blood pressure – a symptom of the condition pre-eclampsia – so it was not reported to doctors.

And Mrs Hureh was later given Syntometrine, which is used to stimulate the womb and help deliver the placenta – but should not be given to women with pre-eclampsia.

Ms Hassell said: "All the opportunities that were not taken up to recognise her high blood pressure culminated in what has been described to me as 'a critical and unforgivable error'.

"Those treating Ifrah know that Syntometrine should not be given to a woman suffering from pre-eclampsia.

"Nevertheless, they gave her Syntometrine because they didn't recognise the pre-eclampsia and didn't check again immediately before giving as to whether it was contra-indicated. "The plan to give Syntometrine had been made some weeks earlier, but this had not been reviewed immediately before the drug was administered."

Ms Hassell added: "Although I recognise some parts of Ifrah's care were very good and everyone looking after Ifrah wanted the best for her, in some aspects there was a gross failure to provide basic medical attention.

"Because of her death the treatment of women will improve, both at UHW and nationally and we have heard the circumstances surrounding Ifrah's death are now used as a teaching example." Outside court, Mr Yassin, speaking through an interpreter, said: "There's nothing to bring a wife back.

"They are children without a mother.

"However, it's very pleasing to see that as a result of the memory of her, women's lives will be saved."

Abdikarim Abdi Adan, director of Cardiff's Somali Advice and Information Centre, said he was shocked by the "catalogue of errors" revealed.But he added: "The thing that's reassuring is that the coroner's office sent officers to speak to the hospital and to recover the facts.

"That's really reassuring to us as a community in Wales, regardless of what background we are."

After the inquest, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust nurse director Sue Gregory said: "We have expressed our sincerest apologies to Mr Yassin and his family and have carried out an internal investigation to establish more about the circumstances leading up to Mrs Hureh's death.

"This investigation uncovered deficiencies in the care we provided to Mrs Hureh and helped us identify changes to our systems and practices to reduce the risk of such a sad event happening again. "We now also ensure our midwives undertake specialist training to help identify and treat critically-ill women. "We would like to reassure Mr Yassin and the public we have learned from this incident and improvements have been made in the women's unit as a result."

`Eid Al-Fitr Sunday in Most Countries

`Eid Al-Fitr Sunday in Most Countries

By IOL Staff

WORLD CAPITALS — `Eid Al-Fitr, which crowns a month of fasting, prayers and Qur'an recitation, will start on Sunday, September 20, in most Arab and Muslim countries as well as in North America and Europe. Saudi religious authorities confirmed the sighting of the moon of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. "Thus, Saturday is the last day of Ramadan and Sunday will be the first day of `Eid Al-Fitr," the Saudi Judicial Council said in a statement. `Eid al-Fitr 1430: Give & Forgive Similar announcements were made in the Gulf Cooperation Council members Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Egypt's Mufti Ali Gomaa also announced the start of the Muslim feast on Sunday. Authorities in Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Tunsia, Algeria, Yemen and Iran also confirmed Sunday as the first day of `Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan. Iraq's Sunnis will also celebrate `Eid Sunday, according to the Sunni Religious Authority. Lebanon's Shiites and Sunnis will unite in celebrating the three-day `Eid. In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, the Religious Affairs Ministry announced that Sunday will be the first day of `Eid. The Muslim feast will also be celebrated Sunday in Malaysia, according to the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal. The South Korea Muslim Federation said Muslims in the country will celebrate `Eid on Sunday. In Japan, the Roue`t e Hilal committee also confirmed Sunday as the first day of `Eid el-Fitr, one of the two main Islamic religious festivals together with `Eid Al-Adha. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) announced on its website that `Eid will be on Sunday. Thai Muslims will also celebrate `Eid on Sunday, according to the Provincial Islamic Religious Councils. `Eid for South Africa's Muslims will be on Sunday, according to Jamiatul Ulama. Malawi Muslims will also celebrate `Eid on Sunday, according to the Muslim Association of Malawi. In Australia, the Board of Imams of Victoria announced that the `Eid will be on Sunday. Sunday in Europe, America British Muslims will also celebrate the first day of `Eid Al-Fitr on Sunday, announced the Regents Park Mosque and the UK Ruyate Hilal Committee. Turkey had earlier announced Sunday as the start of `Eid based on astronomical calculations. The majority of Muslims in Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania, Slovenia and Russia had decided to follow Turkey. The European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) earlier announced that the first day of `Eid will be in Europe on Sunday based on astronomical calculations. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) also announced that `Eid will fall on Sunday. During `Eid, families and friends exchange visits to express well wishes and children, wearing new clothes bought especially for `Eid, enjoy going out in parks and open fields. The festivities and merriment start after special prayers to mark the day. Differences Libya already celebrated `Eid Al-Fitr on Saturday. A few countries will celebrate the start of the Muslim feast on Monday. Oman and Morocco announced that the moon of Shawwal could not be sighted on Saturday. Thus, the first day of `Eid will be on Monday. `Eid will also start in Mauritius on Monday, according to the Jummah Mosque Society. Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Afghanistan will sight the moon of Shawwal on Sunday. Thus,`Eid will fall either on Monday or Tuesday. Moon sighting have always been a controversial issue among Muslim countries, and even scholars seem at odds over the issue. While one group of scholars sees that Muslims in other regions and countries are to follow the same moon sighting as long as these countries share one part of the night, another states that Muslims everywhere should abide by the lunar calendar of Saudi Arabia. A third, however, disputes both views, arguing that the authority in charge of ascertaining the sighting of the moon in a given country announces the sighting of the new moon, then Muslims in the country should all abide by this. This usually causes confusion among Muslims, particularly in the West, on observing the dawn-to-dusk fasting and celebrating the `Eid Al-Fitr.

What Will You Do On the Day of `Eid? (Tell us)

i

What Will You Do On the Day of `Eid? (Tell us)

By Ali Al-Halawani Deputy Editor in Chief — English IslamOnline.net

The blessed month of Ramadan is nearly over and, hence, the annual competition in goodness is coming to an end. Surely, Ramadan is like a huge market in which some people win while others lose. For those who win, they should keep their morals up and continue doing the good things they have learnt during these most precious days. As for the others, they should exert themselves to make up for their great loss and should endeavor to make the best of the days to come in terms of doing good deeds and expanding goodness. `Eid Al-Fitr 1430: Give and Forgive (New) Following Ramadan comes `Eid Al-Fitr with its joy and happiness. It may be considered compensation or something to alleviate our sorrow for parting Ramadan. `Eid Al-Fitr is different from Ramadan in terms of programs and habits and every one of us may have his or her own rituals in `Eid. Share with us your own plans for `Eid Al-Fitr so as to tell us whom you are going to greet first, visit first, how will you start your day as well as a detailed account of your whole program throughout the three days of `Eid Al-Fitr. `Eid Mubarak to you and to all Muslims.

Ali Al-Halawani is a doctoral candidate, the managing editor of the Shari`ah Department (English IslamOnline.net), and deputy editor in chief of the the same site. He graduated from Al-Azhar University and got his MA in religious translation from the Faculty of Al-Alsun (Languages), Al-Minia University. He writes occasionally for Islamonline.net. You can reach him atali.halawani@iolteam.com.

Give and Forgive

Give and Forgive

Giving and Forgiving on `Eid By Sadaf Farooqi With dry throats, parched lips, swoons of drowsiness, short tempers, and long hot afternoons, Ramadan days went by for most of us. Akin to a long arduous journey imparting to us as Muslims a yearly training in patience and resilience, we never thought we would make it to the peak. Reaching the Peak of Fasting Nevertheless, that peak is now here and is called `Eid! Linguistically, `eid means "that which keeps returning." It is a time to proclaim Allah's greatness with takbir (saying, "Allah is the Greatest"), rejoice, eat, drink, meet other Muslims, and rekindle stagnant ties of love and kinship. `Eid begins as soon as the crescent of Shawwal is sighted, or when the sun on the 30th day of Ramadan sets, whichever comes first. Allah has ordained Muslims to start their `Eid rituals at the first night of Shawwal, with the symbolic gesture of distributing food among the poor, the needy, and other Muslims eligible for the obligatory poor-due: Zakah. This food charity, known as zakat Al-fitr, is obligatory upon every Muslim, young or old. Why would Allah ordain Muslims to begin their festivities at the culmination of a month-long routine of enduring daytime abstinence and devoted nights of worship by giving charity in the form of food? This is prescribed to encourage community bonding, sharing, and goodwill. It ensures that no Muslim spends the night hungry and that every Muslim has enough to celebrate `Eid with ease, particularly by partaking in the festivities the next morning by having a hearty breakfast before `Eid Prayer. Ramadan is a month in which Allah showers all believers with His mercy, giving every Muslim a chance to repent from his or her sins, relinquish bad habits and frivolous lifestyle, and return to Allah in humble submission. Allah locks up the devils among the jinn, closes the doors of Hell, grants Muslims a night of power that is better than a thousand months, and multiplies the reward of good deeds, which are considered, indeed, tremendous incentives to rush back to Allah with zeal during Ramadan. Wretched is the Muslim who does not succeed in having his sins forgiven during this blessed month! Farewell Ramadan and Rejoice `Eid As the end of Ramadan draws nearer, the fervor of worship increases, the fasting Muslims gather more momentum for Night Prayers, repentance, and earnest supplications to Allah, and some of them isolate themselves for i`tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque). Meanwhile, their hearts experience mixed feelings. They feel sorrowful at having to imminently bid farewell to this month of worship for another year, and joyful at the prospect of shortly enjoying `Eid with their family and relatives. `Eid day commences with Muslims taking a shower early in the morning, dressing up in nice clothes and perfume, having sweet-flavored dessert or dates for breakfast, loudly proclaiming Allah's greatness (saying, "Allahu Akbar"), and proceeding as a family for congregational prayer. Muslims rejoice inwardly because they are hopeful that they emerged from Ramadan as a clean slate; that is, with all their previous sins wiped out after having received forgiveness from Allah. This forgiveness for sins makes Muslims embrace and welcome the holy month of Ramadan in the first place, as it gives them a chance of renewing their faith and strengthening their bond with their Creator. `Eid is a time to meet everyone we know and do not know, visit each other's homes, give gifts, send greetings, and flash smiles and call up those who are geographically too far away from us to wish them a happy `Eid. These gestures should be for everyone, not just for those whom we like or to whom we are close. Improper Behavior on `Eid It is not appropriate for a Muslim to proceed to another corner of the Prayer rows at `Eid Prayer after having spotted someone at the farther end with whom he or she has a long-standing bone of contention or a grudge. It is not proper for a Muslim sister to turn her head away to avoid eye contact with a sister from her neighborhood, because of what the latter allegedly said about her behind her back according to gossipmongers. What to Do Instead? `Eid is a time for Muslims to forgive others the wrongs they have done to them, intentionally or by mistake, just as they themselves hope that Allah has forgiven their sins in His infinite mercy during Ramadan. Do you remember that girl who initially seemed sincere, but leaked your secrets to the whole class at school, and to whom you have not spoken since then? Hug her on `Eid! Do you remember that aunt who mocked your dress in front of everyone at a party, making you the butt of their cruel jokes for the night? Go, meet and greet her on `Eid. Do you remember that colleague who made you do all the project work but then snidely took credit for it with the boss bypassing you for a promotion? Send him a personalized electronic greeting on `Eid. Seek Allah's Forgiveness `Eid is all about forgiving people, just the way we would like Allah to forgive us. No matter how hard it may seem, it is possible to get rid of grudges and move on, forgetting the bad they did to us, despite still feeling the hurt and pain, and meeting them as if nothing sour ever happened. In the Qur'an, Almighty Allah ordains Muslims to do so saying, [The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better; then lo, he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a bosom friend.] (Fussilat 41:34) The best Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, (may Allah be pleased with him) was incensed when he discovered that one of his male relatives (Mestah ibn Athathah), whom he would help financially, had partaken in slandering his daughter, `A'ishah, one of the Prophet's wives (may Allah be pleased with her) during the incident of ifk (fabricated lie). Indignantly, he vowed to stop all financial help to him because of this. Allah said about this in the Quran, [And let not those who possess dignity and ease among you swear not to give to the near of kin and to the needy and to fugitives for the cause of Allah. Let them forgive and show indulgence. Yearn you not that Allah may forgive you? Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.] (An-Nur 24:22) As an incentive to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) for forgiving his relative who slandered his daughter `A'ishah in the incident of ifk, Allah asks him whether he himself would not like all his sins to be forgiven. Responding to Allah's question, Abu Bakr said, "Yes, I want my sins to be forgiven." Forgive and Get Forgiven The same logic also applies to us as believers. If we would like to be forgiven by Allah for the sins we have done, we should also develop the ability and strength to forgive others and move on from past grievances. Let your relationships flourish after being born anew this `Eid. Start by giving food in charity on the last night of Ramadan, watching a hungry man's face light up with pleasure, then move on to forgive and embrace everyone on `Eid day against whom you have harbored rancor in the past. Try it. Give and forgive! Sadaf Farooqi is a freelance writer based in Karachi, Pakistan. She has a postgraduate masters degree in computer science and a diploma in Islamic education. She has seven years of experience as a teacher of Islamic education courses for women and girls. She writes for Hiba Magazine, SISTERS Magazine, and Saudi Gazette. She also blogs at MuslimMatters.org.

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Posted By Samotalis to Somaliland Guardian at 9/19/2009 03:51:00 PM

CIID MUBAARAK..KU CIIDA CAAFIMAAD.

CIIDA HA LEYS CAFIYO, DUCO NIYAD AH OO NABAD IYO CADAALAD DOON AH MEEL KASTA HA LAGA OOGO

By

Ahmed Arwo

Waa ciid barakaysan, carro Soomalina waxa ka taagan col iyo abaar, dil iyo dhac, xabsi iyo xatooyo, xaq-darro garab haysata iyo miskiinbaa misko la fuule leh. Isuma naxdo, isma taageerto, isma wareysato, xin iyo xaasid ayaa loo tafaxeytay, xan iyo been ayaa la sharciyeysatay,munaafaqii waxuu noqday siyaasi tabo badan, afmiinshaar waxuu noqday oday reer magaal ah, faajirkii cayda badnaa waxuu noqday halyeel ragga dhulka la dhaca, tuugii waxuu noqday ninka reerka wax tari kara, xaq-doonku waxuu noqday nin barmiil daloola wax ku guraaya, waa leysu itaal sheegtay, xal ayaan rabaa oo xaq ma doonaayo, waxay noqotay mabda' la xalaashaday si looga baxana adagtay...cidda qabsoomaysa ayaa la qabtaa ee xaqqa halkaa inaga dhiga...Intaybay sidan ku socon.

Masiibada col iyo abaar mataanaysay waxa lagaga bixi karaa waa dariiqii Rasuulku SCW inoo jeexay oon ku soo noqono, waa xumaanta oo dhan laga noqdo, waa xaqqa oo loo hiiliyo, waa adigoo naftaada la xisabtama, isu taaga hiilka dan-yarta iyo inta dulman, waa adiga oo runta u gurmada, beenta ka fogaada. Waa ciid ee aan wanaaga is farno,ku camal falno, xumantana ka fogaano. Niyad san, qaalbi quman, iyo maskax maankeeda wadata aan arrimaheena ku agaasino, ku daaweyno. Illaahay aynu ka barino nabad iyo caddalad, aan u duceyno inta bukta, inta baahan iyo inta dulman.

Waxa dhammaatay bishii quraanka, bishii raxmadda, bishii barakada, bishii Ramadaan.Waxa guulaystay intii soontay, intii habeenkeeda ku nooleeysay salaad, quraan akhri, duco iyo dikri. Waa kuwaas kuwa farxadda ciidda isu diyaarinayaa. Waxa hoog, ciil iyo cabsi soo wajahday kuwii amarka Illaahay gees maray, kuwa ayaamo yar oo la tirinaayo u arkay dhib ayna ka gayooneen. Waxay isweydiiyaan oo durtaba sowtan Ramadaan dhammaatay. Isu-diyaarinta ciddu waa mid mideeysa ummadda Islaamka oon midab, af iyo degmo midina kala xidhin.Waa cibaado aan sida soonka aan kala saarin mujtamaca, oon marna loo eegin kaalinta qofku kaga jiro bulshada.

Ciddu Waa Maalin Farxad Iyo Reynreyn Islaamku Ku Midoobay, Ee Dhammaan Ciid Mubarik.Waxaan hanbalyo ciideed u fidinayaa dhammaan Islaamka adduunka, si gaar ah Soomaalida meel kasta joogta:

Somaliland, Somalia, Jabuuti, Kilinka shanaad, NFD, iyo inta daafaha dunida ku kala baahsan. Ciid wanaagsan Soomaaliyeey, ciid mubaarik meel kasta ood joogtaanba. Illaahay nabad hayna siiyo, hayna tuso tubta loo maro horumarka iyo dhismaha, haynaga duwo dariiqa halaaga iyo burburinta.

Maalqabeen iyo danyar, taliye iyo loo taliye, waayeel iyo dhalaan, rag iyo dumar, waxa waajib ah in la bixiyo sakada fidriga, loona diyaar garoobo salaadda ciidda iyo damaashaadka maalinta dabaaldega.Waa tilmaan cad oo ka markhaati kacaysa sida diinta islaamku u tahay mid ku dhisan sinnaan, cadaalad iyo dhismo bulsho walaal ah.

Hurdadu yeyna ku dhaafin salaadda ciidda.Waa in lagu dhaqaaqaa in la maro dariiqii Rasuulku inoo jideeyey, oo ah in salaadda dariiqa aad u martay, marka ay dhammaato dhinaca kale martaa. Taas mecnaheedu waa inaad laba dariiq kala martaa si aad ula kulanto dad kala duwan.

Waa in sakaatu fidriga la bixiyaa inta ka horreysa salaadda, waxa lagu qadaraa 2kilo iyo badh qootu daruuri ah, maanta Somalida quuto daruuri waxa u noqonaaya waa baraiis, masago, iyo hadhuudh. Lacag ahaan dhinca dalkan Ingiriska waxa lagu qadaraa 3 Gini qofkiiba. Waxayna waajib ku tahay yar iyo weyn qof kasta oo noolaa cadceed dhaca maalinta Ramadaanta u dambaysa.

Waa in caruurta iyo haweenka laga farxiyaa, la siiya hadiyado, loo oggolaadaa inay ciyaaro anshaxa ka teganayn la yimaadaan.Waa in la labistaa oo la maydhaa. Xarago asturan oon lagu talaxtegin waa in lala yimaadaa. Waa in salaanta iyo sadaqada la badsadaa.

Waa in kheyrka la raadsadaa oo takbiirta la akhriyaa.

Haddaba aan wax yar ka sheegno maalinta cidda iyo sifaha islaamku u arko. Maalintan oo magacyo dhowr ah loogu yeedha oo dhammaan ina tusaaya qiimaha iyo qadarinta ay mudan tahay.Labada ciidood ee islaamku waxay dhacaan xili muslimiintu ay soo gutaan laba farad oo u baahan in nafta la xakameeyo, lana soo maro dhibaato jidh-ahaaneed iyo mid ruuxi ahba. Waxa la soo gutay soonka Ramadaan oo maalintii oo dhan laga caaganaa cabid, cunid iyo galmaba, habeenkiina lagu soo jeedo salaad iyo quraan akhri. Dadaalkaas iyo gudashadaas waajibka ah, ayuu Illaahay inoo bineeyey inaynu farxadda ciidda ku sogootino. Sidoo kale Ciidda Carafo, waxay ka dambeysaa guditaanka xajka, oo xujaydu ay isaga yimaadaan daafaha dunida, iyagoo ehelkood iyo dalkoodaba ka soo baqoolaaya, xarago ka tegaaya, si siman u lugaynaa goobo barakaysan, oon marna la dareemin cidhiidhi iyo culayska dhabta ah ee jira..

Maalinta ciidda islaamku waxuu ku sifeeyaa Maalin Guuleed (Day of Victory). Waa maalin ay guulaysteen inta waajibkeeda gudatay, oo ay gaadheen guushii ay filayeen .Waxa kale oo la yidhaahdaa, waa Maalintii Waxa Goosiga (Day of Harvest), waayo waa maalin Illaahay ka abaal marinaayo cibaadada ay soo guteen, sida ninka beerta falaa uu midhaheeda u goosto xiliga ay baxdo.Waxa kale oo loogu yeedhaa, Maalinta Cafiska, (Day of Forgiveness), waayo Illaahay waxuu cafiyaa inta soonka sida uu inoo faray u toosisay.Waxay Muslimiintu si wadar ah ay u baryaan Illaahay dambi-dhaaf iyo inuu ku manaysto imaan xoog ah iyo khaatumo san. Sidoo kale ayey Muslimiintu is cafiyaan, is bariidiyaan, dholo-caddayn iyo weji furana isku soo dhaweeyaan.

Waxa kale oo la yidhahdaa waa Maalinta Xusuusta iyo Mahadnaqa, (Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day), waa maalin la xusuusto masaakiinta iyo danyarta, waa maalin la xusuusto waalidka, ehelka, waayeelka iyo ubadka, waana maalin loo mahadceliyo Illaahayga ina uumay ee Islaamka inaga dhigay.

Waxa kale oo loogu yeedhaa, Maalinta Nabadda, (Day of Peace), waa maalin uu Muslinku qalbigiisa ku sugo deganaansho, uu si dareen ammaan ah uu qiimeeyo, sida habboon ee uu u fuliyey awaamiirta Illaahay, isagoo dhisay nolol habaysan, oo uu ku xaqiijiyey heshiis nabadeed uu Illaahay amarkiisa ku fuliyey.Ugu dambayn waxa Ciidda lagu sifeeyaa Maalin Damaashaad, (Day of Festivity), waa maalin la xaragoonaayo, ubadka loo saaraayo ciyaaro, leys casuumaayo oo leys booqanaayo, iyadoo la xusaayo maalintan magaca badan ee Illaahay inoo dooray.

Waa maalin intaas oo sifo leh iyo qaar kale oo badan, waa maalin inoo gaar ah, oo Muslinka sinta, mideysa oo walaalaysa.

Waa maalin weyne, waa Maalinta Islaamka, waana Maalin Illaahay. Illaahay ururkeena ha xoojiyo, xaqana heyna tuso, nabad iyo barwaaqana sanadkaa sanadkiisa hayna waafajiyo. Inta bugta Allow bogsii, meehsa colaadi ka jirto Allow nabad ku soo dabaal, Illaahow na gargaar oo naga yeel kuwa dhisa diintooda, dalkooda iyo dadkoodaba. Aamin.

CIID MUBAARIK DHAMMAANTIIN IYO MAALIN SOO NOQOSHO BADAN OO BARAKAYSAN. KU CIIDA NABAD, CAAFIMAAD, FARXAD BASHBASH IYO BARWAAQO.

Ahmed Arwo

Cardiff, U.K

Email: Samotalis@gmail.com

http://samotalis.blogspot.com/

--
Posted By Samotalis to SAMOTALIS at 9/18/2009 05:12:00 PM

Israeli Prime Minister attacks UN Report on Gaza; Goldstone defends report

After a United Nations fact-finding mission released a report this week condemning Israel's wanton attacks on civilians during its invasion of Gaza in January, the Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu condemned the report as a "kangaroo court", despite the fact that his government refused to participate in any aspect of the UN investigation.

Palestinian baby killed during Israel's invasion of Gaza (photo picasaweb)

Israel's closest ally, the United States, echoed the sentiments of the Israeli Prime Minister. The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, stated that the US had "very serious concerns" about the objectivity of the UN Report.

A report issued last week by the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem stated that 773 of the 1,387 Palestinians killed during the Gaza war were civilians, based on their invastigations on the ground in Gaza. The Israeli military claimed that 709 combatants, 295 civilians and 162 people whose status it was unable to clarify were killed, but presented no evidence to support these numbers. During the same time period, 13 Israelis (10 soldiers and 3 civilians) were killed by Palestinian resistance fighters.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke on Israeli TV channel 13 after the UN Report was released this week, telling interviewers that the Israeli military should not be singled out, because other nation's militaries around the world also conduct similar actions.

"If they accused [Israeli military] officers, [Israeli military] commanders, [Israeli military] soldiers, [Israeli military] pilots and even leaders, they will accuse you too. What, NATO isn't fighting in various places? What, Russia isn't fighting in various places?"

The author of the report, Richard Goldstone, wrote an editorial in the New York Times defending his team's investigation, saying that he only accepted the post because his mission included the investigation of possible human rights violations by both Israel and Hamas. Unfortunately, he said, Israel refused to cooperate with the investigation, so a proper accounting of Hamas violations was not possible.

Goldstone, who played a major role in the investigation of apartheid practices in South Africa during the 1980s, called on international players to intervene in the situation, saying that neither Israel nor Hamas have a good record of investigating their own troops or fighters for possible violations of the rules of war.

In his editorial, he wrote, "Our fact-finding team found that in many cases Israel could have done much more to spare civilians without sacrificing its stated and legitimate military aims. It should have refrained from attacking clearly civilian buildings, and from actions that might have resulted in a military advantage but at the cost of too many civilian lives. In these cases, Israel must investigate, and Hamas is obliged to do the same. They must examine what happened and appropriately punish any soldier or commander found to have violated the law."

Ajarka Ku Jira Akhriska Quraanka Kariimka Ah Bisha Ramadan

Ajarka Ku Jira Akhriska Quraanka Kariimka Ah Bisha Ramadan

Waa Bisha Ramadaan ee la soo dejiyay dhexdiisa Quraanka, isagoo hanuun dadka u ahiyo caddayn hanuun iyo kala bixin (xaqa iyo baadilka) ee ruuxii jooga(nagi) ha soomo, ruuxiise buka ama safar ah,waxaa saran maalin kale, wuxuu idinla dooni Eebe fudayd ee idin lama doonayo culays,waana inaad dhamaystirataan tirada Waynaysaanna Eebe wuxuu idinku hanuuniyay, waxaadna u dhawdihiin, mudan tihiin, inaad mahadisaan Eebe)) (Al-Baqrah:185))

Quraanku waa hagaha ummadda, hagaajiyaha bulshada, haqabtiraha dadka, Ilaahay waxa uu ka xardhay wax kastoo oo uu Bini'aadmigu u baahanyahay ha noqoto waxay ku liibanayaan, waxay ku khasaarayaan, waa kala bixiye, waxa uu kala saarayaa xaqa iyo baadilka, xumaanta iyo samaanta, xalaasha iyo xaaraanta, waxa uu hagayaa ka halawsan, dabiibayaa ka dawakhsan,rajo u samaynayaa ka quustay, u digayaa ka Xadgudbay, ee ka halawsan xaqa.

Quraankana waa mucjis aan dhamaanayn waxa uu ka sheekaynayaa dadkii tegay iyo waxay kasbadeen, kuwa imika jooga iyo waxa ku habboon inay sameeyaan, iyo waxa soo socda ee ay ka mid tahay Maalintii waynayd ee magacaanta badan lahayd waa maalinta kalabaxa, qiyaamaha, jano iyo naar sida ay dadku ku mutaysanayaan

Quraanku waxa uu soo degay bisha barakaysan ee Ramadaan, waa bishii quraanka waxa la inooga baahanyahay inaan bishan ramadaan aan badino Quraan akhriska inagoo waliba ku ladhayna dhugashada iyo fahankiisa, waxa uu ahaa Malakul JIbriil(Nabdgalyo korkiisa ha ahaatee) kii la dhameeya Nebiga(nabadgalyo iyo naxariisi korkiisa ha ahaatee).

Quraankan maalintaa la noolaano, ee aan dareenno waxa uu inoogu yeedhayo iyo waxa uu inooga digayo, nafaheena badalo, uga maarmi wayno sida kalluunku aanu uga maarmin biyaha, maalintaas ayaan nafteena ka adkaan doonnaa, oo aan dadkeenana wax u tari karnaa, is bedlkuna waxa uu ka yimaadaa Quraanka

Walaalayaal waxaa is waydiin maxay inaga haysta Quraanka ee aan u fahmi la'anahay?

Bal u fiirso aayadan ((Haddii Quraanka uu Eebe buur ku dejiyo(kula hadlo) waxaad arki lahayd Buurtii oo Khushuucsan oo Dillaaci cabsi Eebe darted))(Al-xashr:21) waa buur oo aan u naqaano waxaan noolayni balse ma jiro adduunka shay Ilaa iyo Ilaahay buu u tasbiixsanayaa, waxa inaga haysta waa inaggoo aan isku taxalujinayn inaan fahano, Haddii Interview(waraysi) aynu galayno, waraysigaas oo aan faa,iido wayn ku helayno, waxaynu si wacan u sii eegnaa waraysiga waxa la inooga baahan yahay, inagoo weedh walba oo ku qoran doonayna inaan dhan walba ka eegno, walaalayaal aan isku taxalujino inaan Quraanka Fahanno,

Tusaake ahaan Saxaabigii caddaaladda badnaa ee Cumar Bin Khadaab waxa uu ahaa kii la nool Quraanka sharafta leh, ee ka qaadanaya sharixiisa iyo fahankiisaba Nebiga (nabadgalyo iyo naxariisi korkiisa ha ahaatee) ilaa uu gaadhay heer u dhaco oo ay dhakhaatiirtu garan waydo waxa ku dhacay, waxa uu ahaa kii haddii uu maqlo aayad isagoo cadhadiisu ay xadka dhaaftay oo wax la sameeyo la garan laayahay kii qabooba oo sidiisa ku soo noqda, Habeen habeenada ka mid ah ayaa isagoo soo indha –indhaynaya dadkii uu ka masuulka ahaa waxa uu soo maray guri uu nin muslimiinta ka mid ahi leeyahay isagoo ninkaasi tukanay salad waa uu dhagaystay isagoo akhrinayana suuratu Dhuur markuu soo gaadhay (( Cadaabka Rabbigaagu waa mid dhacaya)) ayuu yidhi waa dhaar walaahi Ilaaha kacbada lihi ku dhaartay oo xaq ah dameerkiisii buu ka soo degay markaasuu gidaar qabsaday waxooga ka dibna wuxuu ku noqday gurigiisii waxaanu xanuusaday bil iyadoo ay dadku soo booqanayeen oo aanay garanayn waxa uu yahay xanuunkiisu.

The Prophet's Truthfulness

The Prophet's Truthfulness

By Fethullah Gulen Muslim Intellectual — Turkey

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was known as a truthful person even before Islam. The people of Makkah, the unbelievers included, called him As-Sadiq Al-Amin (the truthful and trustworthy). Even his enemies did not accuse him of lying after he proclaimed Prophethood. After the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, Allah's Messenger sent letters to the rulers of neighboring countries. The Emperor of Byzantium received it in Syria at a time when a trade caravan from Makkah headed by Abu Sufyan was in Damascus. The Emperor summoned him, and the following conversation took place: Emperor:Do the elite or the weak mostly follow him? Abu Sufyan:The weak. Emperor:Do his followers increase or decrease? Abu Sufyan:They increase. Emperor:Has anyone apostatized after converting to Islam? Abu Sufyan:No. Emperor:Have you ever heard him tell a lie? Abu Sufyan:No, never. Struck by the answers of Abu Sufyan, who was at that time one of the bitterest enemies of Islam, the Emperor acknowledged Muhammad's position, "It is inconceivable for one who has never told a lie during his whole life to invent lies against Allah" (Al-Bukhari). The Emperor was right. Why would someone who had never told a lie, even in jest, suddenly begin to lie, especially against Allah, when that person is 40 years old and getting closer to the grave? The people of Makkah agreed unanimously that Muhammad was a truthful person. He always encouraged truthfulness, as can be seen in the following hadiths: "Promise me six things, and I will promise you Paradise: Speak the truth, keep your promises, fulfill your trusts, remain (sexually) chaste, do not look at what is unlawful, and avoid what is forbidden." (Authenticated by Al-Albani) "Abandon what arouses your suspicions, and follow what is certain. Truthfulness gives satisfaction; lying causes suspicion."(At-Tirmidhi and Ahmad) "Always be truthful, for truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. If you are always truthful and seek truthfulness, Allah records you as such. Never lie, for lying leads to shamefulness and shamefulness leads to Hell. If you insist on lying and seek deceit, Allah records you as such."(Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Truthfulness is always in the interest of the truthful, even if it causes their death. It may lead to death, but that death happens only once, whereas each lie is a different kind of death. One of the most striking examples of this is the case of Ka`b ibn Malik, a famous Ansari poet who swore allegiance to Allah's Messenger at Al-`Aqabah. Although he took part in almost all the battles, he missed the campaign of Tabuk without a justifiable excuse. The Tabuk campaign was very difficult. It took place in mid summer and, what is more, against the Roman Empire with all its might. Although Allah's Messenger always kept the destination of such campaigns secret, this time he disclosed it and wanted every believer to participate. Ka`b completed his preparations but, at the last minute, uncharacteristic negligence kept him from joining the army. When Allah's Messenger returned from the campaign, he asked those who had not fought why they had stayed at home. The Hypocrites lied and made excuses, but Ka`b, being unable to lie, told the truth. Allah's Messenger told him to leave. Thereafter, Ka`b and two other believers who had done the same thing were boycotted. On the order of Allah's Messenger, no Muslim met with them or spoke to themfor 50 days. They repented publicly, beseeching Allah for forgiveness. After this, Allah has revealed, [As for those three, the acceptance of their repentance was delayed until, for them, the earth, vast as it is, was straitened and their own souls were straitened to them, and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah and no refuge but with Him. Then He accepted their repentance so that they could recover their former state. Verily, Allah is the One who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.)(At-Tawbah 9:118) After this revelation, Ka`b ibn Malik told Allah's Messenger, "I promise to speak the truth as long as I live" (Muslim). If a prophet were to lie, everything connected with the divine religion would be upset. Truthfulness is the pivot of Prophethood. It could not be otherwise, for if a prophet were to lie, everything connected with the divine religion would be upset. All it takes is one lie to call a whole mission into question. Thus Allah declares, [If he [Muhammad] had invented false sayings concerning Us, We would surely have grasped him firmly, and then cut off the artery of his heart, and none of you could have withheld Us from doing this.)(Al-Haqqah 69:44–47) The prophets came to guide us to the straight path and to lead us to Paradise. Had they lied even once, they would have guided no one to the truth. However, their truthfulness, especially that of Prophet Muhammad, will be manifested as brightly as the sun in the Hereafter, where people will see everything clearly. In that place, all the tidings they gave about the next life, the Resurrection, the Place of Gathering, the Final Reckoning, the Bridge (As-Sirat), Paradise, and Hell will be realized. By Fethullah Gulen Muslim Intellectual — Turkey

* Excerpted with some modifications and with kind permission from "Truthfulness." Fethullah Gulen is an influential Turkish Muslim intellectual who inspired a series of social activities, including a transnational education and business network, interfaith dialogue forums, and multicultural encounters.

The reward for i’tikaaf

The reward for i'tikaaf
What is the reward for i'tikaaf?.

Praise be to Allaah.

I'tikaaf is prescribed in Islam and it is an act of worship that draws one closer to Allaah. See Question no. (48999)

Once this is established, there are many ahaadeeth which encourage us to draw closer to Allaah by doing naafil acts of worship. The general meaning of these ahaadeeth includes all kinds of worship, including i'tikaaf.

For example, there is the hadeeth qudsi in which Allaah says: "My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6502.

Secondly:

There are several ahaadeeth which speak of the virtue of i'tikaaf and describe its reward, but they are all weak (da'eef) or fabricated (mawdoo').

Abu Dawood said: I said to Ahmad (i.e., Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal): Do you know anything about the virtue of i'tikaaf? He said: No, except something weak. Masaa'il Abi Dawood, p. 96.

These ahaadeeth include the following:

1 – Ibn Maajah (1781) narrated from Ibn 'Abbaas that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said concerning the person who observes i'tikaaf: "He is refraining from sin and he will be given a reward like that of one who does all kinds of good deeds." This was classed as da'eef by al-Albaani in Da'eef Ibn Maajah.

2 – al-Tabaraani, al-Haakim and al-Bayhaqi narrated the following from Ibn 'Abbaas, which they classed as da'eef: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever observes i'tikaaf for one day seeking thereby the Face of Allaah, Allaah will place between him and the Fire three ditches wider than the distance between the east and the west." This was classed as da'eef by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Da'eefah, 5345.

3 – al-Daylami narrated from 'Aa'ishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever observes i'tikaaf out of faith and in the hope of reward will be forgiven his previous sins." Classed as da'eef by al-Albaani in Da'eef al-Jaami', 5442.

4 – Al-Bayhaqi narrated the following report from al-Husayn ibn 'Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him), which he classed as da'eef: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever observes i'tikaaf for ten days in Ramadaan, that will be equivalent to two Hajjs and two 'Umrahs. This was mentioned by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Da'eefah (518) where he said: it is mawdoo' (fabricated).

Islam Q&A

I’tikaaf of women in the mosque

I'tikaaf of women in the mosque
Can women sit for I'tikaf in a mosque in the last ten days of Ramadan?.

Praise be to Allaah.

Yes, it is permissible for a woman to observe i'tikaaf in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadaan.

Indeed, i'tikaaf is Sunnah for both men and women, and the Mothers of the Believers (may Allaah be pleased with them [i.e., the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)] used to observe i'tikaaf with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) during his lifetime, and after he passed away.

Al-Bukhaari (2026) and Muslim (1172) narrated from 'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to spend the last ten nights of Ramadaan in i'tikaaf until he passed away, then his wives observed i'tikaaf after he died.

It says in 'Awn al-Ma'bood:

This indicates that women are the same as men when it comes to i'tikaaf.

Shaykh 'Abd al-'Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

I'tikaaf is Sunnah for both men and women, because it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to observe i'tikaaf during Ramadaan, and finally he settled on i'tikaaf during the last ten days, and some of his wives used to observe i'tikaaf with him, then they observed i'tikaaf after he died. The place for i'tikaaf is the mosque in which prayers in congregation are performed.

From the internet website of Shaykh Ibn Baaz.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Somali group seeks US raid revenge

Somali group seeks US raid revenge

Nabhan was wanted over a deadly bombing of an Israeli-owned hotel in Kenya in 2002 [GALLO/GETTY] Members of Somalia's al-Shabab group have vowed to avenge the killing of an al-Qaeda suspect in a US raid in the southern part of the country. Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan, wanted over a deadly hotel bombing in Kenya in 2002, was killed in a helicopter raid along with al-Shabab fighters on Monday, according to unnamed US officials and Somali sources. A senior al-Shabab commander said the group, which the US says is sheltering al-Qaeda leaders, would retaliate. "Muslims will retaliate against this unprovoked attack," the commander told the AFP news agency. "The United States is Islam's known enemy and we will never expect mercy from them, nor should they expect mercy from us." Somali witnesses to Monday's raid said up to six helicopters flew over a village in Barawe district, an area about 250km south of the capital, Mogadishu, before two of them opened fire on the car carrying Nabhan. Paula Roque, an African security specialist talking to Al Jazeera from Pretoria, said that removing Nabhan was "quite an important step". "It could weaken any organisational links that are being set up between al-Qaeda and al-Shabab, even though these are yet to be confirmed, but they do surely have ideological links. "Nabhan had involvement with al-Qaeda as far back as 1998. He could have been implicated in several terrorist attacks that were taken forward by al-Qaeda." Strategic risk Roque added that killing Nabhan could be counter-productive as he would be viewed as a "martyr". In depth Inside Story: What next for Somalia Riz Khan: Somalia - From bad to worse Video: Rageh on Somalia Al-Shabab: Somali fighters undeterred Somalia at a crossroads "If the human intelligence was so good to have located Nabhan in two isolated trucks, they could have liaised with the Somali government and captured him. "They could have had him extradited to Kenya to try him for crimes committed against its citizens. "So, in one sense, it works in counter-terrorist strategy combating al-Qaeda. In another sense it doesn't as it creates national symbols." Daniel Volman, a director of the African Security Research Project in Washington, echoed that sentiment. "I have always argued that it is a mistake to treat terrorism as a military threat, because it does not pose a direct military danger to the United States. "[Terrorism] is a terrible crime, and should therefore be treated as a law enforcement issue, in which case the objective should be to bring people to trial, to show that there is a case against them, to convict them and then legally imprison them - not to carry out illegal murders abroad like this," he told Al Jazeera. Volman added that the raid, if confirmed to be carried out by the US, "shows that the Obama administration has decided to continue to pattern established under the Bush administration - of carrying out what can only be labelled assassination or murder without regard to international law". Fighting on Sheikh Bare Mohamed Farah Khoje, an al-Shabab spokesman, said after the attack that al-Shabab would continue its fight against the Western world. "Al-Shabab will continue targeting Western countries, especially America ... we are killing them and they are hunting us," he told the Reuters news agency. "We wish we could eradicate them all. We will never forget our brothers who were targeted illegally by the United States." Nabhan, born in Kenya, was high on the FBI's list of most wanted "terror" suspects. He was wanted for questioning in connection with the car bombing of an Israeli-owned beach resort in Kenya which killed 15 people and the near simultaneous attempt to shoot down an Israeli plane leaving Mombasa airport in 2002. Nabhan was also suspected of involvement in recruiting some of the 500 foreign fighters currently believed to be in Somalia. 'Surgical precision' Ernst Jan Hogendoorn, Horn of Africa project director at the International Crisis Group, said the "surgical" precision of Monday's raid showed the US has specific intelligence in Somalia. "I think it will certainly make al-Shabab leaders much more cautious when they are operating because obviously the United States has very precise intelligence about their movements," he said. The US military has launched several air attacks inside Somalia in the past against individuals blamed for the bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. In May last year, US aircraft killed Aden Hashi Ayro, the then-leader of al-Shabab and allegedly a senior al-Qaeda member, in an attack on the central town of Dusamareb.

Source: Al Jazeera and agencies